Current Status

After numerous meetings with City of Toronto and Park officials, the Toronto Freedom Festival ‘s organizers were elated to receive their permit to use Queen’s Park North on Saturday May 7th.

The Toronto Freedom Festival is Toronto’s largest FREE, one-day, outdoor spring festival, attracting upwards of 30, 000 people. Organizers learned in January that their permit had been revoked by Toronto and East York District Parks. Initially this news came as a surprise, and months later, a plan has been developed to keep the Festival at the park for another year. The plan appeases the concerns of City and Park officials, community stakeholders, and those raised by the Global Marijuana March who rely on the Festival‘s infrastructure.

Toronto Freedom Festival co-founder Gabe Simms states "We've always believed it's best to work with the City to address concerns rather than in opposition to them. We are excited to have reached a safe and reasonable compromise, and we remain committed to once again producing a unique and exciting festival."

While organizers are pleased with the results of their efforts with the City, they recognize that change could not have occurred without the voice of Festival supporters. Now the ‘Friends of Freedom’ will be called upon to help meet increased demands.  “ We are very excited at the recent news and hope festival supporters will contribute and spread the word, volunteer, or give a donation to help us with the demands associated with hosting the expected massive crowd,  Festival co-founder Gavin Gerbz states.

The Global Marijuana March is the flagship event of the Toronto Freedom Festival. Toronto's March, which is part parade and part protest, is the world’s largest. March Organizer Neev states, “The march has been free of violence and arrests for last 12 years and we are dedicated to keep it that way. We are very happy to have the Freedom Festival's essential infrastructure such as washrooms, food and Marshals."